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HIGH LIGHTS 

IN 
U. S. HISTORY 



A HELP BOOK FOR 

STUDENTS OF 

UNITED STATES HISTORY 



BY -' 

S. E. HURLEY 



HIGH LIGHTS 
IN 

U. S. HISTORY 

A HELP-BOOK IN UNITED STATES HIvSTORY 
Complete outlines and brief explanations. 



.^^^' By 
S. E. HURLEY, A. M., LL. B. 

Instructor in Civil Government and American History 
at the Catholic University Extension, Dubuque, Iowa 



Published by S. K. Hurley, 301 Williamson Bldg. 
Quincy, Illinois 



.//f6 



COPYRIGHT, 1915 

by 

S. E. .HURIvKY 



DEC 30 1915 



FOREWORD. 

There are outline books in American history almost without 
number. Why another? Outlines are not rarely of more value 
to teacher than to pupil. They at times defeat their purpose by 
going into a wealth of rather confusing detail. It has been my 
intention to omit much which they usually contain. If this little 
book proves of any service, and I hope that it will, it will be as 
much for what it leaves out as for what it includes. 

A student of any elementary subject does not remember 
everything. There are some things which he ought to remem- 
ber, certain important features which are the very groundwork 
of his subject. I have attempted to pick out those things in 
American History which are important and to arrange them in 
orderly fashion. Essentials have been emphasized; details have 
been left to larger works. Brief explanations have been added 
wherever they might be helpful. 

An attempt has been made to treat the topics in the order 
of their occurrence. However, the student of history realizes 
that to be chronological is not always to be logical. For this 
reason the time limits of different periods have not always been 
strictly observed. 

HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY is designed as a help- 
book, to be used in connection with the regular texts. It has 
been prepared with the pupil chiefly in mind, yet with a feeling 
that whatever helps the pupil must unfailingly do as much 
for the teacher. It may .also be used as a reference in 
reading, as a guide in following a lecture course, or as an aid in 
reviewing for examinations. 

I am indebted to many books for the facts and ideas set 
forth. Chief among these I must mention: Elson's History of 
the United States; Epochs of American History, by Thwaites, 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



Hart and Wilson; Essentials of American History, by Hart; Col- 
umbus and His Predecessors, by McCarthy; Fiske's Critical 
Period of American History; Schouler's Eighty Years of Union, 
Beard's Contemporary American History; Marsh's Aids in U. S. 
History and the Encyclopedia of American Government edited 
by Hart and McLaughlin. 

Miss Josephine Hurley has assisted me a great deal in ar- 
ranging the form of the work and in making many needed cor- 
rections. It is hardly possible that 1 have been able entirely to 
avoid errors. Suggestions and criticisms will be appreciated. 
December 10, 1915. S. E. HURLEY. 

Quincy, Illinois. 



INTRODUCTION 

History is a record of the lives and actions of men. 

Sources of history: 

1 . Government records. 

2. Previous histories. 

3. Biographies. 

4. Memoirs. 

5. Oral tradition. 

World History falls into three periods: 
I. ANCIENT. Down to 476. 
II. MEDIEVAL. 476 to 1453. 
III. MODERN. 1453 to present day. 

American History lies almost wholly within the period of 
Modern history. 

Why do we study American history? 

1 . To enable us to know our country better. 

2. To improve our judgment on public affairs. 

3. To strengthen our patriotism. 

4. To derive educational benefits. 

America was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. 
There are, however, some events prior to that time which should 
be noted. It is now generally believed that Norsemen reached 
our shores nearly five centuries before Columbus. Lief, Son of 
Eric, while on a missionary voyage was driven from his course 
and touched the North Atlantic Coast in 1000 A. D. 

The discovery by Norsemen was a real discovery, but it 
lacks importance because: 

1 . It was accidental. 

2. No permanent results followed. 

3. Unknown to the world for many centuries. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



The fall of Constantinople in 1453 gave a great impetus to 
exploration by cutting off the old overland trade routes to the 
East Indies. It created a demand for a water route. Diaz of 
Portugal sailed around Africa and up into the Indian Ocean in 
1497. Vasco da Gama reached the East Indies by this route in 
1497. It was too long to be of much commercial value. Columbus 
thought to reach the Indies by sailing west. He failed to find 
such a route but discovered a new world. 

AMERICAN HISTORY MAY BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR 
PERIODS: 

I. THE PERIOD OF EXPLORATION AND DISCOV- 
ERY (1492-1607). 

II. THE PERIOD OF COLONIZATION (1607-1763). 

III. THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (1763-1789). 

IV. THE NATIONAL PERIOD (1789-1915). 

CHAPTER I. 

THE PERIOD OF EXPLORATION AND 
DISCOVERY 

Five nations had a part in the exploration and discovery 
of the New World: Spain, France, England, Holland and Port- 
ugal. 

SPAIN. 

Columbus discovered America 1492 

Americus Vespuccius touched South American Coast .... 1499 

Ponce De Leon discovered Florida 1512 

Balboa discovered Pacific Ocean 1513 

Magellan sailed around the world 1520 

De Soto discovered the Mississippi River 1541 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



FRANCE. 

Verrazanno touched North Atlantic Coast 1524 

Cartier discovered the St. Lawrence River 1534 

Marquette and Joliet explored Mississippi Basin 1673 

LaSalle explored Mississippi to its mouth 1682 

ENGLAND. 

John Cabot explored Labrador and Newfoundland 1497 

Sebastian Cabot explored Atlantic Coast 1498 

Sir Francis Drake sailed around the .world 1579 

HOLLAND. 

Hudson explored Hudson Valley and Hudson Bay 1609^ 

PORTUGAL. 

Cortereal explored Labrador and Newfoundland 1500 

Cabral explored Coast of Brazil 1501 

Motives For Discovery and Exploration. 

1 . Love of wealth. 

2. Desire for territory. 

3. Zeal to spread religion. 

4. Fondness for adventure. 

5. Desire for knowledge. 

Land, gold, religion, adventure, knowledge, these are the 
things which cause men to face the dangers of new seas and un- 
known lands. In your study of the men of this period try to 
see just what motives prompted each to his achievement. 

Columbus was not the first to believe that the world is 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



round but he was the first with the courage to put his faith 
to the test. 

Americus Vespuccius made several voyages to the new 
world and wrote some accounts which were widely read. A Ger- 
man geographer suggested America as a name for the new land. 
It was applied first to Brazil but gradually came to mean all 
of both continents. 

The achievements of Spain in this period: 

1 . Discovered a new world. 

2. Circumnavigated the globe. 

3. Brought civilization to the new world. 

4. Opened Pacific to European trade. 

The voyages of the Cabots were important because: 

1 . The Cabots were first after Norsemen to reach 
mainland of North America. 

2. Sebastian Cabot was first to recognize this as a 
new world. 

3. They were basis of England's later territorial 
claims. 

Italy as a nation took no part in exploration at this time, 
but many Italians distinguished themselves under other flags. 
Chief among these are Columbus, Americus Vespuccius, Ver- 
azzano, John and Sebastian Cabot. 

LIFE OF COLUMBUS. 

Born. At Genoa, Italy in 1446. 

Education. University of Pavia. Read nautical works and 
studied maps. 

Early Career. Made many short voyages. Thought to 
reach East Indies by sailing west. Sought aid in Genoa and 
from King John of Portugal. Failed. Sent brother to England. 
Finally persuaded Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain to help him. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



Voyages: 

First. Watling's Island and others of West Indies; 1492. 
Second. Porto Rico and other islands; 1494. 
Third. Mainland of South America; 1498. 
Fourth. Central America; 1502. 

Objects. Short trade route to East Indies. The spread of 
Christianity. 

Character. Strong, courageous, and deeply religious. 

Death. Valladolid, Spain in 1506. 

Burial. First at Seville, then at Santo Domingo, Hayti and 
Havana. In 1899 removed from Havana to Seville. 

Space will not permit an outline of the other great charac- 
ters in American History. It is hoped that the suggestions will 
be followed out with them, the headings being changed to suit, 
the individual. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE PERIOD OF COLONIZATION. 

Five nations had a part in the colonization of North Amer- 



ica 



1. England — along the Atlantic seaboard. 

2. France — the valleys of the St. Lawrence, the Great 
Lakes and the Mississippi. 

3. Spain — Florida. Mexico and the Southwest. 

4. Holland — the Hudson valley. 

5. Sweden — along the Delaware River. 

Motives For Colonization. 

1 . To lay claim to territory. 



10 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

2. To secure religious freedom. 

3. To obtain civil liberty. 

4. To gain wealth. 

5. To make homes. 

6. To found asylum for convicts and debtors. 
Examine the motives for planting each colony. 

ENGLISH COLONIES 



The first colonies to be studied are those planted by the 
English. Why? Because they became the thirteen original 
states of the Union. 

We may place them in three groups: 

I. THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES— Massachusetts, 
Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island. 
II. THE MIDDLE GROUP— New York, New Jersey, 

Delaware, Pennsylvania. 
III. THE SOUTHERN GROUP— Virginia, Maryland, 
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. 

Individual attempts at colonization such as those sent out 
by Raleigh in 1585 and 1587 had failed. Then companies were 
organized for the work. 

In 1606 two such companies were granted charters: 

1 . The Plymouth Company. Given right to plant col- 
ony between 38 and 45 N. latitudes. 

2. The London Company. Given right to plant colony 
between 34 and 41 N. latitude. 

An attempt by the Plymouth Company at Kennebec, Maine, 
failed in 1606. The first permanent English colony in America 
was planted by the London Company at Jamestown in 1607. 
The Pilgrims later secured a grant from^ the Plymouth Company 
for their colony at Plymouth in 1620. Both companies were 
commercial and organized primarily for profit. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 11 



THE NEW ENGLAND COLONIES. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 

When? 1620. Later in 1628 and 1630. 

Where? Plymouth. Later at Salem and Boston. 

Why? To obtain civil and religious liberty. 

Colonists. English Puritans. 

Leaders. Carver, Bradford, Winthrop, Endicott. 

Government. Charter. 

Religion. Puritan. 

Events. New England Confederation, 1643. King Phil- 
lip's War, 1675. 

Features. Mayflower compact. ' Town meetings. Salem 
witchcraft. 

Note. There were originally two colonies. Plymouth, 
founded by the Pilgrims in 1620 and Massachusetts Bay, start 
ed at Salem and Boston in 1628 and 1630. The two were finally 
united in 1692. 

CONNECTICUT. 

When? 1636 and 1638. 
Where? Hartford and New Haven. 
Why? To keep out Dutch and to build homes. 
Colonists. Puritans from Mass. Later many from England. 
Leaders. Hooker, Eaton. 
Government. Charter. 
Religion. Puritan. 

Events. Pequot War. Indians subdued. 1637. Funda- 
mental Orders of Connecticut, 1639. 
Features. Blue Laws. Witchcraft. 

Note. Connecticut was first made up of several settle- 



12 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

merits. In 1639 some of them were united under a written in- 
strument known as the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. 
This is often said to be the first written constitution in all his- 
tory. 

The New England Confederation. One of the earliest 
forms of union. It was made up of Massachusetts Bay, Ply- 
mouth, Connecticut and New Haven. Two commissioners chos- 
en from each colony. They had power to raise troops for war 
and to settle disputes between colonies. The Confederation 
aided the people of New England in overcoming the Indians. 

King Philipp's War. 1675. The most serious Indian uprising 
of colonial times. The Pokanokets under Philipp massacred 
many citizens of the frontier towns of New England. The Con- 
federation raised a force which finally overcame Philipp, he him- 
self being killed. This war threatened the very existence of 
the New England colonies. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

When? 1636. 
Where? Providence. 
Why? To obtain religious freedom. 
Colonists. Refugees from other colonies. 
Leaders. Roger Williams, Anne Hutchenson. 
Government. Charter. 
Religion. Baptist. 

Events. Royal Charter obtained, 1663. 
Features. Religious freedom. Friendship with Indians. 
Liberal government. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

When? 1623. 

Where? Dover and Portsmouth. 
Why? For wealth and territory. 
Colonists. New Englanders. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 13 

Leaders. Mason and Gorges. 

Government. RoyaL 

Religion. Puritan. 

Events. New Hampshire part of Massachusetts, 1639-1679. 

Features. Population small down to the Revolution. 

MIDDLE COLONIES. 
NEW YORK. 

When? 1623. 

Where? New Amsterdam (New York). 

Why? Profit. Trade with Indians. 

Colonists. Dutch immigrants. 

Leaders. Peter Minuit. Stuyvesant. 

Government. Royal. (Eng.) 

Religion. Dutch Reformed Church. 

Events. Taken by English, 1664. Retaken by Dutch for 
few months, 1674. 

Features. Patroon system. Dutch incurred hatred of 
Indians. Planted by Dutch West India Company as commer- 
cial enterprise. Profitable fur trade. 

DELAWARE. 

When? 1638. 
Where? Christina. 

Why? To give Sweden foothold in America. Profit. 
Colonists. Swedes and Finns. 
Leader. Peter Minuit. 
Government. Proprietary. (Eng.) 
Religion. Lutheran. 

Events. Captured by Dutch, 1655. Taken by English, 
1664. Granted to William Penn, 1682. 

Feature. Only attempt by Swedes to explore or colonize 
the new world. 



14 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

NEW JERSEY 

When? 1665. 

Where? Elizabeth. 

Why? For profit of proprietors. 

Colonists. Immigrants from New York and England. 
English Quakers. 

Leaders. Berkeley and Carteret. 

Government. Royal. Proprietary for a time. 

Religion. Presbyterians. Quakers. 

Events. Division into East and West Jersey, 1674. East 
and West Jersey united, 1702. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

When? 1682. 

Where? Philadelphia. 

Why? To obtain freedom of worship for Quakers. 

Colonists. English Quakers. 

Leaders. William Penn. 

Government. Proprietary. 

Religion. Quaker. 

Events. Great Treaty. Boundary dispute with Maryland. 

Features. Religious toleration. Kind treatment of In- 
dians. Colony well planned and administered. Liberal govern- 
ment. Many sects came to colony. 

SOUTHERN COLONIES. 

VIRGINIA. 

When? 1607. 
Where? Jamestown. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 15 

Why? For commercial gain. 
Colonists. English gentlemen and adventurers. 
Leaders. Smith, Wingfield, Newport. 
Government. Royal. 
Religion. Church of England. 

Events. First legislative assembly in America, 1619. 
Slavery introduced, 1619. Bacon's Rebellion, 1676. 

Features. Great hardship at first. Colony saved by 
Smith's firmness. First permanent settlement by English. To- 
bacco raised very early. Royal colony in 1625. 

MARYLAND. 

When? 1634. 
Where? St. Mary's. 

Why? To establish refuge for persecuted Catholics. 
Leader. Lord Baltimore 2d (Cecil Calvert). 
Government. Proprietary. 
Religion. Catholic. 

Events. Clayborne's Rebellion, 1645. Toleration Act, 1649. 
Civil War. 

Features. Maryland was first colony to practice relig- 
ious toleration. Toleration Act of 1649 is first of its kind. Also 
first proprietary government. Increase of Protestants and 
struggles for control led to Civil War. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

When? 1663. 
Where? Albemarle. 

Why? To acquire and control territory.. 
Colonists. Immigrants from Virginia, England and 
West Indies. 

Leader. Earl of Clarendon. 



16 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

Government. Proprietary. Later, RoyaL 

Religion. Church of England. 

Events. North and South Carolina separated, 1729. 

Features. England made a grant of land south of Vir- 
ginia to eight proprietors in 1663. John Locke drew up a plan 
of government called the "Grand Model." It was feudal in 
character and was never put into operation. Popular assembly 
instead. 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

When? 1670. 

Where? Ashley River (Charlestown). 

Why? To acquire and control territory. 

Colonists. Scotch, Quakers, Huguenots. 

Leaders. Sayle, Yeamans. 

Government. Proprietary. Later, Royal. 

Religion. Church of England. 

Events. Separated from North Carolina, 1729. 

Features. Prosperous from beginning. Rice plantations. 

GEORGIA. 

When? 1732. 

Where? Savannah. 

Why? To be asylum for debtors. To keep out Spanish. 

Colonists. English debtors. Many other nationalities. 

Leader. Oglethorpe. 

Government. Proprietory. Later Royal. 

Religion. Many different sects. 

Features. Slavery and liquor prohibited at first. Tol- 
eration for all save Catholics. Settlers limited to five hundred 
acres of land. They had no political privileges. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 17 



COLONIAL LIFE. 

Population. By 1700 there were about 270,000 people in 
the English colonies. The great majority of these were Eng- 
lish. Boston, the largest city had but 7000 people. 

Government. The forms of government varied in the 
different colonies, but in the main there were three kinds: 

I. Charter. Under a charter granted by the King. 
II. RoyaL By the King through a Governor. 
III. Proprietary. By a proprietor to whom a grant 
of land had been made. 

Some of the colonies had all three forms at one time or 
another. There was a good deal of friction between the Royal 
Governors and the local popular assemblies. 

In 1686 there was an attempt to consolidate the New Eng^ 
land colonies, and New York and New Jersey under the rule of 
one governor. Sir Edmund Andros. There was much protest and 
the plan was interrupted by the Revolution of 1688 in England. 
Then the old colonial governments were restored. 

Education. The harsh frontier life was opposed to the 
growth of higher education. There were few schools in the 
South, more in the Middle Group and most in New England. 
Harvard was founded in 1636, William and Mary in 1693, and 
Yale in 1700. 

Industries. Farming was the chief occupation in all the 
colonies. Grains and meats were produced in nearly all. To- 
bacco was a staple in Virginia and rice in South Carolina. New 
England profited much by her fisheries. Tools and furniture 
were made at home. Manufactures developed slowly, owing 
to restrictions by the mother country. The general scarcity of 
labor led to development of slavery in the South and of indented 
white labor in all of the colonies. 

Trade and Commerce. By the acts of Trade and Naviga- 
tion passed at one time or another from 1660 down to the Rev- 



18 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



olution the commercial development of the colonies was great- 
ly hampered. 

The Navigation Acts required among other things: 

1 . Trade between colonies and England or Europe 
must be in English ships. 

2. Sugar, tobacco, and certain other articles were to 
be shipped only to English ports. 

3. Goods shipped from Europe to the colonies must 
first be landed in England. 

ENGLISH COLONIZATION. 

The English colonies were the most progressive and pop- 
ulous of the new world. The early colonists were mainly ad- 
venturers and fortune hunters who devoted their time to hunt- 
ing gold and seeking a Northwest passage rather than to the 
cultivation of crops. As soon as a class of homebuilders were 
sent over the English colonies began to prosper. 

FRENCH COLONIZATION 

The first permanent French settlement in America was 
made by Champlain at Quebec in 1608. In 1611 he founded 
Montreal and later explored the Great Lakes. Following in the 
wake of Marquette and Joliet, the French established many posts 
along the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. Traders and Jesuit 
missionaries went out together, the one to trade for furs, the 
other to convert the Indians. The French early made friends 
with the Indians, who aided them in many ways. Fur trade was 
carried on and little attention was paid to agriculture. 

New Orleans was founded by the French in 1718. 



SPANISH COLONIZATION. 

The Spanish were the first to explore and they were likewise 
the first to colonize the new world. St. Augustine, the oldest 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 19 



settlement in what is now the United States, was founded by 
them in 1565. Other settlements followed in Florida and Mex- 
ico. Spanish adventurers and missionaries kept pushing west- 
ward until at the close of the seventeenth century they had 
posts and missions all along the Pacific Coast. 

DUTCH COLONIZATION. 

The Dutch first came to this country seeking a Northwest 
passage. Their efforts at colonization all had a commercial 
motive. They profited greatly by fur trade with the Indians. 
The West India Company which planted New Amsterdam was a 
corporation organized to establish colonies in Africa and the 
New World. 

SWEDISH COLONIZATION. 

The Swedes were the last to come and the first to go. The 
attempt in Delaware grew out of a desire to secure a foothold 
in America and also to gain profit. The Swedes left little im- 
pression on this period because few in number and shortlived as 
a colony. 

INTERCOLONIAL WARS. 

There were four intercolonial wars, all reflections of great- 
er struggles between France and England on the continent of 
Europe. The underlying cause was a desire for colonial 
suprem.acy in America. The contest was waged for nearly 
three-quarters of a century with the result that France was fin- 
ally driven from America. 

KING WILLIAM'S WAR. (1()89"1697). 

Cause. Territorial struggle between England and France. 
Events. French and Indians attacked and burned many 



20 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



villages on New England frontier. In revenge two colonial ex- 
peditions were sent to Canada. One under Phipps took Nova 
Scotia, but failed in an attempt against Quebec. A land ex- 
pedition against Montreal failed. Ended with Treaty of Rys- 
wick. 

Result. No territorial change. 

QUEEN ANNE'S WAR (1702-1714) . 

Cause. Struggle for territory renewed. 

Events. French and Indians attacked frontier. Expedition 
against Canada in 1707 came to nothing. Another supported 
by all northern colonies captured Port Royal in 1710. In 1711 
a naval expedition up the St. Lawrence under Walker failed ut- 
terly. Treaty of Utrecht. 

Result. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Hudson Bay to 



English. 



KING GEORGE'S WAR. (1744-1748). 



Cause. Old contest for colonial supremacy reopened. 

Events. In 1745 Louisburg, mighty fortress at head of St. 
Lawrence captured by colonists under Shirley. Other small 
skirmishes. Treaty of Aix La Chappelle. 

Result. Territory as before the war. Louisburg given 
back to French much to disgust of colonists. 

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR (1754-1763). 

Of the four wars this was the most important and the de- 
cisive one. 

Cause. French pushing down into Ohio Valley came into 
collision with English colonists moving westward. 

The War May Be Divided Into Four Main Campaigns. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 21 

I. Against Louisburg. This powerful French fortress 
commanded the mouth of the St. Lawrence. Lord Jeffery 
Amherst and Wolfe bombarded it, burned the French fleet 
and forced it to surrender in 1758. 

II. Against Fort Duquesne. This fort was first built by 
the English and then taken by the French. Braddock was de- 
feated on his way to take it. In 1755 Forbes marched against it 
and took it without opposition. Renamed Fort Pitt. It was a 
very important post because the key to the Ohio Valley. 

III. Against Quebec. This was the most strongly 
fortified point in Am.erica. Considered impregnable. Eng- 
lish under Wolfe laid siege in 1759. Battle fought on Plains 
of Abraham in September. French under Montcalm were de- 
feated. Quebec taken by English, 1759. 

IV. Against Montreal. This was the last remaining 
stronghold of the French in America. English forces united in 
attack and forced it to surrender in 1760. 

The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. 

Results of War: 

1. French driven out of Canada and Ohio Valley. 

2. English acquired all territory East of Mississippi. 

3. English colonies had no more civilized enemies. 

CHAPTER III. 

REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (17631789). 
Events Leading Up to Revolution. 

Navigation Acts, 1660, and later. 
Writs of Assistance, 1761. 
Stamp Act, 1765. 
Stamp Act Congress, 1765. 
Townshend Acts, 1767. 



22 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

(a) Taxes on tea, lead, glass, paper. 

(b) Commission to enforce Navigation Acts. 

(c) Acts of New York Assembly suspended. 

Boston Massacre, 1770. 
Boston Tea Party, 1773. 
Five Intolerable Acts, 1774. 

1. Boston Port Bill. 

2. Regulating Act. 

3. Quartering Act. 

4. Quebec Act. 

5. English officers tried in England for colonial of- 
fenses. 

The widening of the breach.— At the beginning of this 
period The British decided on three main lines of policy. 

1. Navigation laws to be enforced. 

2. British army to be stationed in America. 

3. Taxation of colonies. 

The attempt to enforce the Navigation acts by Writs of 
Assistance caused a spirited protest. The laying of a Stamp Tax 
brought feeling to a high pitch. It proved unsuccessful and was 
repealed. The Townshend Acts were equally unpopular as a 
species of taxation without representation. The troops sent to 
America were a source of friction, the most notable instance be- 
ing the Boston Massacre in 1770, in which several were killed in 
a fracas with the soldiers. The Five Intolerable Acts were the 
last straw. They made a struggle inevitable. 

The events outlined above all rank as causes of the Revolu- 
tion, but the fundamental reasons are given below. 

t 

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

Causes of War. 

1. Taxation without representation. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 23 

2. Demand of colonists for all rights of Englishmen. 

Chief Campaigns. 

I . Campaign of the Delaware. 
II. Campaign of the Hudson. 
III. War in the South. 

Other Phases of the War . 

1. Invasion of Canada. 

2. Massachusetts Campaign. 

3. War on the Sea. 

4. Winning of the West. 

OUTLINE STORY OF THE WAR. 

War broke out at Lexington and Concord. Allen captured 
Ticonderoga and Americans were defeated at Bunker Hill. 

Invasion of Canada. In 1775 Montgomery captured Mon- 
treal but he, with Arnold, failed against Quebec. 

Massachusetts Campaign. War began with British hold- 
ing Boston. Washington forced them to evacuate in March, 
1776. 

Campaign of the Delaware. British next attacked New 
York. Washington was defeated at Long Island and White 
Plains and retreated across New Jersey. He surprised and de- 
feated British at Trenton and later at Princeton (1776-1777). 

Campaign of the Hudson. British sought control of Hud- 
son Valley in order to split colonies. Plan adopted, but it 
failed. British under Burgoyne were badly defeated in two 
Battles of Saratoga. Oct. 1777. 

War in the South. Failing in the North the British turned 
to the South. Captured Savannah (1778) and Charlestown 
(1780). Then invaded interior. Many battles with varying 
results. British finally entrenched themselves at Yorktown. 



24 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

Washington, aided by Greene and LaFayette and French fleet, 
surrounded Cornwallis and compelled his surrender at York- 
town in 1781. 

Winmng of the West. George Rogers Clark is the chief 
figure. He captured Kaskaskia (1778) and Vincennes (1779), 
thus securing all western territory for Americans. 

War on the Sea. The American Navy did well against great 
odds. Privateers destroyed many British merchantmen. John 
Paul Jones showed great ability. French Navy came to our aid 
late in the war. 

The war ended with the Treaty of Paris which was finally 
signed September, 1783. 

Results. 

1. The colonies won independence. 

2. They acquired all territory East of the Mississippi 

from Florida to Canada. 

3. They retained certain fishing rights in New Found- 

land. 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. July 4, 1776. This 
is one of the great documents of all history. It sets forth certain 
fundamental principles of human rights, enumerates the 
causes of ill-feeling and cites many cases of British oppres- 
sion. It declares that the colonies "are, and of right ought to 
be free and independent." Jefferson was its author and Adams 
its most powerful advocate. It strengthened the patriot cause 
by giving it a definite object. 



ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION. Outlined the form 
of our first government. Under it the government was little 
more than a league of states. Congress had no power either 
to tax or to regulate commerce. There was neither executive 
nor judiciary. Congress could ask the states to do things, but 
could not enforce its demands. In fact it did not have the power 
necessary to carry out the purposes for which it was intended. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 25 



CRITICAL PERIOD OF AMERICAN HISTORY. At the 
close of the Revolution independence was won and the foreign 
foe driven from our shores, but grave internal dangers threat- 
ened. The war left us a heavy debt and our credit was dead. 
Congress was weak and inefficient. It could' neither raise 
money nor regulate commerce. It was helpless to settle dis- 
putes that arose between the states. The latter were issuing 
a flood of paper money and their finances were in a terrible 
condition. Debts were piling up and dissension was every- 
where rife. At last almost a state of anarchy was reached. 
A convention met at Annapolis in 1786 to propose 
a remedy, but, only five states being represented, it ad- 
journed after calling another convention to meet at Philadel- 
phia the following year. 

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1787. This con- 
vention was called to revise the Articles of Confederation. It 
found the task hopeless and proceeded to draw up an entirely 
new plan of government. Fifty-five members were present 
from eleven states. The delegates met in Independence Hall, 
Philadelphia, and the convention lasted about four months. 
George Washington was President. 

The great issues of the convention were: 

1 . Strong vs. weak government. 

2. Equal vs. proportional representation. 

3. Slave representation and slave trade. 

Three Great Compromises. 

1. Equal representation in Senate. Proportional rep- 
resentation in House. 

2. Slaves to be counted three-fifths for purposes of 
representation and direct taxation. 

3. Importation of slaves not to be interfered with 
before 1808. 

CONSTITUTION. Immediately after the convention ad- 
journed the new Constitution was submitted to the states. It 



26 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



went into effect when New Hampshire the ninth state had rati- 
^d it June 21, 1788. The remaining four states followed within 
.two years. 

ORDINANCE OF 1787. An act for the government of the 
Northwest Territory. Provided in detail for a scheme of ter- 
Titorial government. Slavery was forbidden and religious liberty 
and personal rights guaranteed. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE NATIONAL PERIOD. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON.— (1789-1797). 

1 . Organization of the National Government . 

2 . Hamilton's Financial Program . 

3. Whiskey Rebellion, 1794. 

4. Jay's Treaty, 1794. 

Also: Invention of the Cotton Gin. Washington's Neutral- 
ity Proclamation. 

Organization of Government. On April 30, 1789, both 
houses of Congress secured a quorum and President Washing- 
ton was inaugurated. Two branches of the government thus be- 
gan their work. The third branch, the Courts, was established 
by the Judiciary Act of 1789. 

Washington had four members in his first Cabinet: Secre- 
tary of State, Jefferson; Secretary of Treasury, Hamilton; Secre- 
tary of War, Knox; Attorney-General, Randolph. 

Hamilton's Financial Measures. 

1. First United States Bank, 1791. 

2. Funding of the National Debt. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 27 



3. Assumption of state debts. 

4. Tariff on imports. 

5. An excise tax. 

The most serious problem facing the new government was 
that of finances. Its solution depended upon Hamilton, Secre- 
tary of the Treasury. His task was two-fold: (1) To raise rev- 
enue. (2) To establish the national credit. Through tariff and 
excise taxes he provided the needed revenues, and, by agreeing 
to pay both state and national war debts, he put our credit upon 
a solid basis. 

The United States Bank was organized to aid the govern- 
ment in its fiscal operations. 

The Whiskey Rebellion. This trouble arose over a re- 
fusal of the people of Western Pennsylvania to pay the excise 
lax on liouors. Washington called out the militia of adjoin- 
ing states and the Rebellion was quickly suppressed. 

Jay's Treaty. The British had been tampering with our 
commerce and impressing American seamen for some years. 
In 1794 Jay was sent to negotiate a commercial treaty with 
England in order to prevent these abuses. He secured a treaty 
which provided (a) that British troops would leave our Western 
territory, and (b) that certain boundaries should be settled, but 
obtained nothing for us in a commercial way. It aroused very 
bitter opposition against the administration. 

Washington was unanimously elected both terms. Though 
a member of no party, his administration was dominated by 
the Federalists under Hamilton. 

JOHN ADAMS (1797-1801) Federalist. 

1. Alien and Sedition Acts. 

2. Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. 

3. X. Y. Z. Papers. Trouble with France. 

4. Naval War with France. 

5 . Midnight Judiciary . 



28 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



The Alien and Sedition Acts. The Alien Act authorized the 
President to expel any foreigners whom he considered danger- 
ous. The Sedition Act provided for the punishment of those 
who harshly criticised the government or its officers. These acts 
were aimed at the enemies of the Federalist Administration. 
Their particular objects were French sympathizers and Republi- 
can editors. 

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were a protest 
against the above acts. They denied the right of Congress to 
pass such laws and the latter at least urged the idea that a 
state could nullify an act of Congress. Madison and Jefferson 
were the respective authors. 

X. Y Z. Papers. An attem^pt was made during Adams 
administration by officers of the French government to bribe our 
representatives at Paris. The letters of the French officers when 
published in this country were signed X. Y. Z. They aroused 
much feeling against France. 

Midnight Judiciary. In 1801 the outgoing Federalists 
created a number of nev/ judgeships and appointed Federalists 
to fill them. Adams is said to have signed the commissions on 
the last night of his term. Hence the name. The Republicans re- 
taliated by abolishing thfe judgeships. 

Naval War with France. 1798-1800. The French had been 
harassing our commerce for many years. Congress in 1798 
authorized the capture of French vessels that had been offend- 
ers. Many privateers commissioned. Several duels with som.e 
American successes. Napoleon came into power in France and 
did not desire war. A treaty of peace was signed in 1800. 

THOMAS JEFFERSON (1801-1809) Republican. 

1 . Louisiana Purchase, 1803 . 

2. Foreign Trade Restrictions. 

3. The Embargo Act, 1807. 

4 . Importation of Slaves Forbidden, 1808 . 

Also remember: War with Tripoli. Non-Intercourse Act, 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTOEY 29 

The Louisiana Purchase. The vast territory of Louisiana 
was purchased from France in 1803 for the sum of $15,000,000. 
It was asserted that the President and Congress had no constitu- 
tional authority to make such a purchase. Jefferson seems to 
have thought so himself, for he tried to secure the passage of an 
amendment permitting it. However, the purchase was so ad- 
vantageous that everyone was satisfied to let it stand. 

Foreign Trade Restrictions. Great Britain and France 
were at war and both seriously interfered with the rights of 
neutrals. Many orders and decrees were issued seriously ham- 
pering our commerce. 

A. Orders in Council. British attem.pted paper blockade 
of part of French Coast. 1806. 

B. Berlin Decree, Napoleon ordered blockade of all British 
possessions. Goods to and from them might be taken as priz- 
es, 1807. 

C. Orders in Council. Neutrals not to trade with France 
or her allies without first entering British port and submit- 
ting to search, 1807. 

D. Milan Decree. Ordered a seizure of every vessel that 
permitted itslf to be searched by the British, Dec. 2, 1807. 

Embargo Act. The effect of all of these orders and decrees 
was practically to destroy our commerce. Jefferson thought 
to punish British and French and make them come to terms 
by depriving them of our goods. He secured the passage of 
the Embargo Act which forbade any ships to leave our ports. 
It failed of its purpose but nearly destroyed home industry. 

Importation of Slaves Forbidden, The Federal Constitu- 
tion provides that the importation of slaves should not be inter- 
fered with before 1808. Congress in 1807 passed a law forbid- 
ding the further importation of slaves. It took effect January 
I, 1808. 

JAMES MADISON (1809-1817), Republican. 

1. War of 1812. 



30 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

2. Hartford Convention, 1814. 

3. Tariff of 1816. 

4. Second U. S Bank. 

THE WAR OF 1812. 

Causes: 

1 . Seizure of American vessels. 

2. Impressment of American Seamen. 

3. Tampering with Indians. 

Chief Campaigns: 

I. War in Canada. 
n. Operations at Sea. 
HI. Chesapeake Campaign. 
IV. Louisiana Campaign. 

War in Canada. Attempt against Canada by Americans 
under Hull failed. Detroit taken by British in 1812. In 1813 
Perry's victory on Lake Erie was followed by Harrison's defeat 
of British in the Battle of Thames. Detroit retaken. Ameri- 
cans failed to invade Canada in East. Both sides held their 
own at end of 1813. In 1814 a British attempt to move South 
along Lake Champlain was checked. 

Operations at Sea. Our navy, though small, showed to sur- 
prising advantage. The Americans were victorious in a num- 
ber of naval duels. 

Campaign of the Chesapeake. In the summer of 1814 the 
British moved against Washington. They captured the city, 
burned the Capitol, and then withdrew to Louisiana by sea. 

Louisiana Campaign. British made attacks on Gulf Coast. 
They were decisively defeated by Jackson in the Battle of New 
Orleans, January 8, 1815. Great victory. 

The Treaty of Ghent was signed December 24, 1814, two 
weeks before Jackson's victory at New Orleans. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



Results of War. 

1 . Cessation of arms. 

2. Territory as before the war. 

3. Commission to settle Canadian boundaries. 

In the treaty nothing was said of the real causes of the 
war, the seizure of our ships and the impressment of American 
seamen. 

Hartford Convention. New England was never in sym- 
pathy with the War of 1812. Delegates from the New England 
states met at Hartford in 1814. The convention issued a state- 
ment as to the right of a state to conduct its own defense. Its 
meetings were secret and it was accused of promoting disunion. 
The Federalist sympathy with the convention was a deathblow 
to that party. 

Tariff of 1816. It placed duties on a basis that seemed 
high at that time, but would not be regarded so today. 

The Second U. S. Bank was given a twenty year charter in 
1816. The First Bank charter had expired in 1811. The Sec- 
ond Bank had a capital of $35,000,000, one-fifth of which was 
subscribed by the government. 

JAMES MONROE. (1817-1825) Republican. 

1. Acquisition of Florida, 1819. 

2. Missouri Compromise, 1820. 

3 . Monroe Doctrine, 1823 . 

4. Election of 1824. 

Florida was purchased from Spain in 1819 for $5,000,000. 

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 avoided a serious clash 
over the slavery question. Clay was chiefly responsible for its 
adoption. 

Its provisions were: 

1 . Missouri to be admitted as a slave state. 



32 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

2. Maine to come in as a free state. 

3. No slavery in Louisiana Purchase north of 36 de- 
grees, 30 minutes. 

The Monroe Doctrine. Monroe, in a message to Congress 
« in 1823, laid down two great principles: 

1. The American Continent is no longer a subject for Eur- 
opean Colonization. 

2. European powers are not to interfere in the political 
affairs of the new world. 

Election of 1824. Jackson, Adams, Crawford, and Clay 
were the candidates. Jackson received greatest popular vote 
but no candidate had majority of electors. Highest three were 
voted upon by the House of Representatives. Clay, the fourth 
man, threw his support to Adams and the latter was elected. 
Cry of bargain when Clay was made Secretary of State. 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. (1825-1829) Republican. 

1 . Erie Canal Completed, 1825. 

2. Tariff of Abominations, 1828. 

Tariff of Abominations. The tariff of 1824 had raised duties 
somewhat higher than that of 1816- Considerable opposition. The 
Act of 1828 made them higher still and evoked a storm of op- 
position in the South: It led to threats of nullification. 

Erie Canal. This canal reached from Albany to Buffalo. 
Completed 1825. It became a great highway of freight and 
immigration, and aided wonderfully in the development of the 
new western country. 

ANDREW JACKSON. (1829..1837) Democrat. 

1 . Nullification Troubles . 

2. Force Bill. 

3. Compromise of 1833. 

4. Jackson's War on U. S. Bank. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 33 



5 . Distribution of Surplus, 1836 . 

6. Specie Circular, 1836. 

Also :" Introduction of Spoils System, Webster-Hayne De- 
bate, First Nominating Convention in 1831. 

Nullification. This term represents the idea that a state 
may declare an Act of Congress void within its borders. Cal- 
houn was its leading exponent. !n 1832, South Carolina passed 
an ordinance declaring that the tariff laws were void and of no 
effect within its borders. The legislature was authorized to adopt 
measures to resist collection. The Federal Government 
stood ready to enforce the collection of duties and trouble 
seemed imminent for a time. Nullification rests on the idea 
that the Federal government is only the agent of sovereign 
states. States are to decide if agent exceeds authority. This 
theory is now generally discredited. 

Force Bill passed in March, 1833, gave President power to 
use whatever force might be necessary to carry out the laws. It 
was aimed at the Nullification movement in South Carolina. 

Compromise of 1833. This was a bill urged by Henry Clay 
which provided for the gradual reduction of the tarriff for ten 
years until 1842, when the average duty would be twenty per 
cent. It became a law in 1833 and averted serious trouble with 
the South. 

U. S. Bank Controversy. Jackson was a bitter enemy of 
the United States Bank. In 1832 he vetoed a bill for its rechar- 
ter and the next year caused the government funds to be re- 
moved and deposited with certain state banks. The bank 
ceased to exist with the expiration of its charter in 1836. Jack- 
son had succeeded in destroying it. 

Distribution of Surplus. In 1836 there was a surplus of 
$32,000,000 in the U. S. Treasury. Congress passed a law pro- 
viding for the deposit of all but $5,000,000 with the states. 
The money has never been repaid. 

Specie Circular. In 1836 Jackson became alarmed at the 
speculation in public lands. He issued the Specie Circular 



34 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



which was an order that in future the government would only 
accept gold and silver in payment for lands. 

Note. — The members of the party of Jefferson were first 
known as Republicans or Democratic-Republicans, but in Jack- 
son's time they were called Democrats and have used that name 
ever since. The Republican party of our day had its rise short- 
ly before the Civil War. It is the successor of the old Whig 
and Federalist parties. 

MARTIN VAN BUREN (1837-1841) Democrat. 

1. Panic of 1837. 

2 . Sub-Treasury System . 

The Panic of 1837 was one of the most serious in our his- 
tory. The chief causes were perhaps: 1. Loose methods and 
speculation by the state banks. 2. States had borrowed great 
sums of money. 3. The Specie Circular had shaken public con- 
fidence. 

The Sub-Treasury System sometimes known as the Inde- 
pendent Treasury was first adopted by Van Buren and has been 
used ever since. In this system there are two main ideas: 

1 . The entire custody of government funds by govern- 
ment officials. 

2. The dividing up of deposits between several sub-treas- 
uries. 

HARRISON-TYLER (1841-1845) Whig. 

1. Death of Harrison, 1841. 

2. Webster- Ashburton Treaty, 1842. 

3. Annexation of Texas, 1845. 

Harrison was elected by the Whigs, but served only a month 
when he sickened and died. Tyler, who succeeded him, had 
little sympathy with the principles of the party which had elect- 
ed him. Sometimes known as the man without a party. He 
sought the Democratic nomination to succeed himself. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 35 



The Webster- Ashburton Treaty settled the Maine Bound- 
ary. Great Britain and the United States each took about half 
of the disputed territory. 

Texas. In 1835 Texas declared her independence and be- 
came a Republic. She asked admission to the Union. Anti- 
slavery leaders opposed annexation. March 1, 1845, Congress 
passed a resolution to admit Texas as a state as soon as a suit- 
able form of government should be adopted. 

JAMES K. POLK (1845-1849) Democrat. 

1. Oregon Boundary Settled. 

2. War with Mexico. 

3. Wilmot Proviso, 1846. 

4. Gold in California, 1848. 

The Oregon Boundary. A dispute with Great Britain as 
to our Northwestern Boundary had existed for a long time. 
Since 1818 there had been a joint occupation of the territory 
between 42 and 54 degrees, 40 minutes. At one time the cry of 
"fifty-four forty or fight" swept the country. The boundary was 
finally settled at the 49th parallel in 1846. 

THE WAR WITH MEXICO (1846-1848). 

Causes . 

1 . Annexation of Texas. 

2. Mexicans slow to pay for outrages on Americans. 

3. Dispute over Texas boundary. 

4. Polk's desire to annex California. 

Chief Campaigns. 

1. The Border Campaign. 

2 . Campaign Against Mexico City . 

3. War in the Southwest. 

4. Conquest of California. 



36 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

Border Campaige. General Taylor defeated the Mexicans 
at Palo Alto, Monterey and Buena Vista. 

Against Mexico City. Scott took Vera Cruz and then 
marched against Mexico City, which he captured Sept. 14, 1847. 

War in the Southwest. Little resistance encountered. 
Kearny took Santa Fe without firing a shot. 

Conquest of California. Settlers in California revolted 
with the aid of American troops and set up a new government. 
In 1847 a few skirmishes left Americans in control. 

War closed with treaty of Guadulupe Hidalgo. 
Results . 

1 . Mexico gave up claim to Texas as far as Rio Grande 
and to the whole of New Mexico and California. 

2. United States paid Mexico $15,000,000. 

Wiimot Proviso. This measure sought to forbid slavery in 
the territory acquired at close of Mexican War. It failed to 
pass, but provoked bitter discussion. 

Gold in California. January, 1848, gold was discovered in 
California. Immediately a great rush started from all parts of 
the country. In two years almost $30,000,000 in gold was 
mined. 

TAYLOR-FILLMORE (1849-1853) Whig. 

1. Compromise of 1850. 

2. Uncle Tom's Cabin Published, 1852. 

Compromise of 1850. An attempt to conciliate the jarring 
elements of the North and the South. Clay was its chief advo- 
cate. Its main points were: 

1 . California admitted as a free state. 

2. A stringent fugitive slave law. 

3. Slave trade abolished in District of Columbia. 

President Taylor had been opposed to the compromise of 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 37 



1850, but he died in the midst of the discussion and Fillmore 
signed the compromise measures. 

Uncle Tom's Cabin had a tremendous effect in arousing 
feeling against slavery. 

FRANKLIN PIERCE. (1853-1857) . Democrat. 

1. Gadsen Purchase, 1853. 

2. Kansas-Nebraska Bill, 1854. 

The Gadsen Purchase. In 1853 we acquired by purchase 
from Mexico an additional strip of territory in the Southwest. 
The price was $10,000,000. 

The Kansas-Nebraska Bill. This act created territorial gov- 
ernments for Kansas and Nebraska, leaving the question of 
slavery to be decided by the settlers themselves according to 
the doctrine of "Squatter's Sovereignity. Douglas was its lead- 
ing advocate. 

JAMES BUCHANAN (1857-1861) Democrat. 

1. Dred Scott Decision, 1857. 

2. Lincoln-Douglas Debates, 1859. 

3. John Brown's Raid, 1859. 

Dred Scott Decision. Dred Scott, a negro slave, was taken 
by his master into the free territory of Illinois and Minnesota 
and then back into Missouri, a slave state. Later he sued for 
his freedom. The case went clear to the U. S. Supreme Court. 
Two points were decided: 

1 . That Dred Scott had no right to sue. 

2. That Congress could not forbid slavery in the ter- 
ritories. 

The second point raised a storm of protest in the North. 
It made the Missouri Compromise void and threw open all of 
the territories to slavery. It was one of the immediate causes of 
the Civil War. 

Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Important as discussions by two 



38 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



leaders of the period of the all important questions of slavery 
and its extension to the territories. 

John Brown's Raid. In 1859 John Brown with a small force 
attempted to start a slave insurrection in Virginia. He seized 
, the U.S. Arsenal near Harper's Ferry and tried to stir up the 
slaves. The enterprise failed and Brown was captured and 
hung for treason. The incident brought feeling to a high 
pitch. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1861-1865), Republican. 

1. Civil War, 186M865. 

2. Emancipation Proclamation. 



Causes: 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



1 . Trouble over extension of slavery. 

2. Secession of Southern States. 



Chief Campaigns: 

WAR IN THE EAST. 

I. Bull Run (C) 1861. 
II. Peninsular Campaign (C) 1862. 

III. Lee's Invasion, Antietam (U), Fredericksburg (C), 
1862. 

IV. Lee's Second Invasion, Gettysburg (U) 1863. 
V. Grant's Hammering Campaign, 1864. 

VI. Surrender of Lee at Appomatox, 1865. 

OPENING OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 

I. Forts Henry and Donelson (U) 1862. 
II. Shiloh, Island No. 10 (U) 1862. 

III. Capture of New Orleans (U) 1862. 

IV. Surrender of Vicksburg (U) 1863. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 39 

DIVIDING THE SOUTH. 

I. Chickamauga (C), Missionary Ridge (U), 1863. 
II. Sherman's March to the Sea, 1864. 
III. Capture of Savannah (U) 1864. 

OPERATIONS AT SEA. 

I. Blockade of Confederate Ports. 

II. Monitor and Merrimac (U) 1862. 

III. Farragut Aids Capture of New Orleans (1862). 

IV. Port of Mobile Closed, 1864. 

U, Union Victory. C, Confederate Victory. 

THE CIVIL WAR IN BRIEF 

The task of the Union army was to invade the South and 
crush all opposition. On the other hand the Confederacy had 
only to defend what it already possessed. 

In the Union plan there were two great objects: 

1 . To destroy Lee's army in the east. 

2. To open the Mississippi. 

At the same time the Union navy was to weaken the South 
by enforcing a strict blockade. 

The Confederacy had all the advantage in the East in 1861 
and 1862, but the tide turned in 1863 and the Federal army won 
a great and decisive victory at Gettysburg. It was not, however 
until Lee's surrender at Appomatox in 1865 that the first great 
object was realized. 

The capture of New Orleans in 1862 and a series of suc- 
cesses in the West ending in the surrender of Vicksburg in 
1863, made possible the opening of the Mississippi. 

Sherman, by his march to the sea (1864) on which he cap- 
tured and laid waste everything in his path, broke up the South 
and paved the way for the final victory in which Grant' envelop- 
ing forces triumphed over Lee at Appomatox. 



40 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



Results: 

1 . Slavery doomed. 

2. Seceding states brought back to Union. 

Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863. Lincoln, 
*by this instrument, declared that all slaves in territory where 
the people were in rebellion against the United States should 
be freed. It was a war measure for the purpose of weakening 
the South. It did not apply to slavery in loyal states. The 
thirteenth amendment was required to completely abolish slav- 
ery. 

ANDREW JOHNSON (1865-1869) Republican. 

1. Reconstruction Begun. 

2. Alaska Purchased, 1867. 

3. Impeachment. 

Also: Freedman's Bureau, Civil Rights Bill, Tenure of 
Office Act, Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. 

Reconstruction. The Civil War gave rise to one great prob- 
lem — how were the Southern states to regain their old place in 
the Union? There were two plans: 

1 . Lincoln's Plan. Any state should be permitted to re- 
turn when one-tenth of its citizens should set up a loyal gov- 
ernment. 

2. Congressional Plan. South to be divided into five dis- 
tricts, each with a military government. Order was to be re- 
stored and the states to be readmitted when they had formed a 
satisfactory government and had ratified the fourteenth amend- 
ment. This plan was followed. 

Alaska.. All the territory of Russia in America was pur- 
chased by the United States in 1867 for $7,200,000. 

Impeachment. By a Tenure of Office Act in 1867, Congress 
tried to deprive the president of the right to remove members of 
his cabinet. There was a great deal of friction between Presi- 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 41 



dent Johnson and Congress and, when he sought to remove Sec- 
retary Staunton in violation of the above act, he was impeached 
by a vote of the House. After a long trial in the Senate he es- 
caped conviction by one vote. 

ULYSSES S. GRANT. (1869-1877) Republican. 

1 . Alabama Claims . 

2. Panic of 1873. 

3. Electoral Commission. 

Also: Fifteenth Amendment. 

Alabama Claims. These arose out of damages to American 
commerce during the Civil War by the Alabama and other Con- 
federate vessels fitted out in British ports. Arbitrators were 
chosen and met at Geneva. The United States was awarded 
$15,500,000 in settlement. 

Panic of 1873. The speculation which followed the war, 
and many fires and other losses in our large cities, brought on 
a serious financial panic in 1873. 

Election of 1876. In this election it seemed at first as if 
Tilden, Democrat, had won, but conflicting returns were sent in 
from five states. To settle the dispute an Electoral Commission 
of five senators, five representatives, and five judges of the 
Supreme Court was established. On a strict party vote of eight 
to seven every point was decided in favor of Hayes, Republican, 
and he was elected by one vote 

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. (1877-1881) Republican. 

1. Troops Withdrawn From South, 1877. 

2. Bland Silver Bill, 1877. 

The Withdrawal of Troops from the South marked the end 
of Reconstruction. 

Bland Silver Bill. A law passed by Congress to increase 



42 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



the coinage of silver. Silver bullion was to be purchased and 
coined at the rate of not less than $2,000,000 or more than 
$4,000,000 a month. 

GARFIELD-ARTHUR (1881-1885) Republican. 

1. Assassination of Garfield, 1881. 

2. Anti-Chinese Legislation, 1882. 

3. The Pendleton Act, 1883. 

Pendleton Act. This was the first important step toward 
Civil Service reform. It provided: 1. Apportionment of posi- 
tions among states. 2. Appointments on competitive exam- 
inations. 3. No removals for political reasons. 4. A Civil 
Service Commission to have charge of examinations. 

Anti-Chinese Legislation. In 1882 Congress passed a law 
prohibiting the immigration of Chinese laborers for ten years. 
The prohibition has been continued in later laws. 

GROVER CLEVELAND. (1885-1889) Democrat. 

1. Presidential Succession Act, 1886. 

2. Interstate Commerce Act, 1887. 

Presidential Succession. By an act of 1886, Congress pro- 
vided that, if both President and Vice-President should be un- 
able to serve, the Cabinet officers should succeed to the Presi- 
dency in the order in which the departments were established. 

The Interstate Commerce Act provided: 1. No rebates or 
discrimination by railroads. 2. "Pools" forbidden. 3. Rates 
must be made public. A commission was established to enforce 
the law. This law has worked very well in the regulation of 
railroad and other companies engaged in interstate commerce. 

BENJAMIN HARRISON (1889-1893), Republican. 

1. Anti-Trust Legislation. 

2. McKinley Tariff. 



H GH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 43 



Trust Legislation. The growth of trusts and monopolies 
had given rise to many evils. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 
1890 was designed to check these evils. It provided that all 
combinations in restraint of trade are illegal. Under its pro- 
visions in more recent years many large trusts have been dis- 
solved. 

McKinley Tarifif. This measure passed by the Republicans 
in 1890 was highly protective in character, the duties reaching 
the highest point since the Civil War. 

GROVER CLEVELAND (1893-1897), Democrat. 

1. The Wilson Tariff Law, 1894. 

2 . The Income Tax Declared Unconstitutional, 1894 . 

3 . Great Railway Strike in Chicago, 1894 . 

Wilson Tariff. This law provided for a moderate reduction 
in duties. Though passed by the Democrats, it did not put 
duties on a basis of "tariff for revenue only." 

Income Tax. An amendment to the Wilson tariff bill pro- 
vided for a tax of two per cent on all incomes over $4,000. 
Soon after the Supreme Court, by a vote of five to four, de- 
clared that the tax was unconstitutional and that Congress 
had no power to lay an income tax except in proportion to popu- 
lation. 

Chicago Railway Strike. Very serious labor trouble. Re- 
sulted in tying up transportation in a large section of the coun- 
try. The labor unions greatly resented the calling out of Fed- 
eral troops by President Cleveland to protect the mails, and 
also the use of Federal injunctions to check the strikers. 

WILLIAM McKINLEY (1897-1901), Republican. 

1. The Dingley Tariff Law, 1897. 

2. War with Spain, 1898. 

3. Hawaiian Islands Annexed, 1898. 

4. Boxer Troubles, 1900. 

The Dingley Tariff. In this measure protection reached 



9 



44 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

its highest point. The duties were higher even than those of 
the McKinley tariff. 

THE WAR WITH SPAIN. 

Causes. 

1 . Rights of Americans violated in Cuba. 

2. Sinking of Maine. 

Land Events. 

1 . Americans take El Caney and San Juan Hill. 

2. Spanish army surrenders at Santiago, July 17, 

3. Porto Rico taken by Gen. Miles. 

Naval Events. 

1 . Dewey's victory at Manila Bay. 

2. Sampson blockades harbor at Santiago. 

3. Spanish fleet destroyed in Battle of Santiago. 

Results. 

1 . Spain agreed to withdraw from Cuba. 

2. The Phillipines, Guam, and Porto Rico ceded to the 
United States. 

3. The United States paid $20,000,000 to Spain. 

Hawaii Annexed. These islands in the Pacific were annexed 
by a joint resolution of Congress in 1898. Hawaii became a 
territory in 1900. 

Boxer Troubles. In 1900 a revolution broke out in China 
led by the Boxers. A large number of Europeans were killed 
and troops from the United States and several other nations 
were sent to restore order. Peace was restored and the desire 
for territory on the part of European nations was thwarted by 
the United States. The "Open Door" policy, that Chinese trade 
should be open to all alike, was enforced. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 45 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1901-1909), Republican. 

1 . Cuba Becomes a Republic, 1901 . 

2. Great Coal Strike, 1902. 

3. Panama Canal Begun, 1904. 

Cuba. When the Americans occupied Cuba after the Span- 
ish War, it was with the understanding that they would with- 
draw as soon as Cuba succeeded in setting up a stable govern- 
ment. A government was formed, with Palma as President, in 
1901, and our troops were withdrawn in 1902. 

Coal Strike. In 1902 a great coal strike in Pennsylvania 
threatened the fuel supply of the country. President Roosevelt 
offered his services as a mediator and appointed a commission 
which brought about a settlement. 

Panama. November 3, 1903, Panama revolted from Colom- 
bia and set up a republic. On November 6, President Roosevelt 
recognized its independence. Colombia was much incensed. 
Shortly afterwards we acquired by a treaty with Panama the 
right to the perpetual use and occupation of a strip of land 
ten miles wide to be used for building a canal. For this right 
we paid $10,000,000 and agreed to pay $250,000 a year so 
long as we used the territory. The Panama Canal was begun 
in 1904. 

WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT (1909-1913), Republican. 

1. Payne- Aldrich Tariff Act, 1909. 

2. Postal Savings Bank Act, 1910. 

3 . Canadian Reciprocity Bill Passed, 1911 . 

4. Arizona and New Mexico Admitted, 1912. 

Payne-Aldrich Tariff. The country generally looked for a 
downward revision of the tariff, but this measure was still high- 
ly protective. There were some reductions and some increases, 
leaving the average duty about 40 per cent. 

Postal Savings Bank. The postoffice department had its 
field widened by the addition of savings banks. The great ad- 



46 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



vantage of these banks is that they furnish to the small de- 
positor an incentive to save and absolute security for his money. 

Canadian Reciprocity. In 1911 Congress passed a law fa- 
voring a reciprocity agreement with Canada, with the object of 
removing the tariff wall between the two countries. To the 
great surprise of most Americans, the Canadians rejected the 
proposed treaty. 

Arizona and New Mexico. These territories became states 
in 1912. Political considerations had up to this time prevented 
their admission. These were the last of our adjacent territories. 

WOODROW WILSON (1913- ), Democrat. 

1 . Underwood Tariff . 

2. The Federal Reserve Act. 

3. Diplomatic Troubles with Mexico. 

4. Canal Tolls Exemption. 

5 . German Submarine Controversy . 

The Underwood Tariff. The Democrats in their pre- 
election campaign had pledged themselves to a downward re- 
vision. The Underwood measure materially reduced duties and 
put several articles on the free list. 

The Federal Reserve Act, 1913, At this time everyone be- 
lieved that our banking and currency system should be reform- 
ed, but there was much discussion as to just what the reforms 
should be. The new Currency Act divides the country into 
twelve districts, each with a Federal Reserve Bank, to which 
all other national banks must subscribe as members. It also 
provides for a new form of currency, which requires a less rigid 
security than the old national bank notes. 

Mexican Trouble. Mexico has been in a state of revolution 
for years. In 1913 Huerta assumed the Presidency of Mexico 
and was recognized by many other countries. President Wilson 
refused recognition and a struggle for supremacy went on be- 
tween the three leaders, Huerta, Villa, and Carranza. As a result 
many Americans were killed and outraged and their property 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 47 

destroyed. Owing to the refusal of Mexico to salute our flag 
in apology for the arrest of American sailors, the United States 
occupied Vera Cruz in April, 1914. Four American marines 
were killed and war threatened for a time. Carranza finally 
seemed to gain some control and was recognized by V/ilson late 
in 1915. 

Canal Tolls Exemption. A law passed in 1912 exempted 
American vessels engaged in coastwise traffic from paying tolls 
for the use of the Panama Canal. Great Britain objected that 
this was a violation of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty of 1901 re- 
garding the neutrality of the canal. President Wilson in a 
special message urged the repeal of this exemption. After a 
very bitter fight his v/ishes were carried out by Congress in 1914. 

CHAPTER V. 

HELPS. 

POLITICAL CONTROL IN U- S. SINCE 1789. 

Federalists, 1789-1801. *\Vashington, Adams. 

Democratic-Republicans, Republicans or Democrats, 1801. 
1841. Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, J- Q. Adams, Jackson, Van 
Buren. 

Whigs, 1841-1845. Harrison-**Tyler. 

Democrats, 1845-1849. Polk. 

Whigs, 1849-1853. Taylor-Fillmore. 

Democrats, 1853-1861. Pierce, Buchanan. 

Republicans, 1861-1885. Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, 
Garfield-Arthur. 

Democrats, 1885-1889. Cleveland. 

Republicans, 1897-1913. McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft. 

Democrats, 1913-1917.' Wilson. 

'•'Washington belonged to no party, but Federalists con- 
trolled his administration. 



48 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

**Tyler chosen by Whigs, but was more of a Democrat than 
a Whig. 

FINANCIAL HISTORY OF U. S. 



First U. S. Bank, 1791-1811. 
Second U. S. Bank, 1816-1836. 
Removal of Deposits, 1833. 
The Specie Circular, 1836. 
Sub-Treasury system established, 1 837. 
Greenbacks issued as legal tender, 1862. 
National Bank Act, 1863. 
Demonetization of silver, 1873. 
Bland Silver Bill, 1877. 
Sherman Silver Purchase Act, 1890. 
The Federal Reserve Act, 1913. 

SLAVERY IN OUTLINE. 

Slavery introduced at Jamestown, 1619. 
Slavery forbidden by Ordinance of 1787- 
Importation of slaves forbidden, 1808/ 
Missouri Compromise, 182(5: 
The Wilmot Proviso, 1846. 

.The Compromise of 1 850. 

TTTrKansas-NebFasTcTBTir, 1854. 

bred Scott Decision, 1857. 

The Civil War, 1861-1865. 

Emancipation Proclamation, 1863. 

Slavery abolished by Thirteenth Amendment, 1865. 

INVENTIONS AND FIRST OCCURENCES. 

Invention of cotton gin, 1793. 

W13 3 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 49 

Steamboat built by Fulton, 1807. 
First railroad in America, 1827. 
Reaper patented by McCormick, 1834. 
Telegraph invented by Morse, 1837. 
Howe's sewing machine invented, 1846. 
Hoe's rotary printing press, 1847. 
Atlantic cable laid, 1858. 
Petroleum discovered in Pennsylvania, 1859. 
Pacific railroad completed, 1869. 
Invention of the telephone, 1873. 
Electric lights come into use, 1877. 
The automobile made practical, 1894. 
Wireless telegraphy invented, 1897. 

TARIFF HISTORY OF U. S. 

Tariff of 1791, 5%. 

Tariff of 1816, 20%. 

Tariff of 1824, 36%. 

Tariff of 1828^ 48%. 

Tariff of 1832, 34%. 

Tariff of 1833' gradual reduction to 20% in 1842. 

Walker Tariff^l846, 25%. 

""Tariff "oFT857, 24%. 
Morill Tariff, 1861, 50%. 
Tariff of 1883, 45%. 
McKinley Tariff, 1890, 49%. 
Wilson Tariff, 1894, moderate reduction. 
Dingley Tariff, 50%. 
Payne-Aldrich Tariff, 1909, 41%. 
Underwood Tariff, 1913, 28%. 

Note. — These figures are only approximate, and have little 
value except for comparison. Free list not reckoned in average. 



53 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 

THE UNITED STATES TODAY. 

POPULATION. 98,646,49L 
AREA. 3,743,306 square miles, 
r STATES. Forty-eight. 
TERRITORIES. Hawaii and Alaska. * 
LARGEST STATE. Texas. Area, 265,896 square miles. 
SMALLEST STATE, Delaware. Area, 1,248 square miles. 
LARGEST CITY. New York. Population, 5,333,537. 
GOVERNMENT. Republic or representative democracy. 

President. Woodrow Wilson, N. J. 

Vice-President. Thomas R. Marshall, Ind. 

Congress. Two houses- 

(a) Senate. Ninety-six members. 

(b) House of Representatives. 435 members. 
Speaker of House. Champ Clark, Mo. 

Supreme Court. Nine Justices. 

Chief Justice. Edv/ard D. White, La. 
FINANCES. 

Annual revenues of U. S., $734,673,167. 

Annual expenditures of U. S., $700,254,496. 

National debt of U. S., $1,061,752,097.48. 
COMMERCE. 

Annual imports of mdse., $1,893,925,657. 

Annual exports of mdse., $2,364,579,148.** 
*The Phillipines, Porto Rico and the District of Columbia 
have special forms of government. 

**The statistics are for the year 1914. 

TERRITORIAL GROWTH OF U. S. 

1. Louisiana Purchase, $15,000,000. 1803. 

2. Florida purchased, $5,000,000, 1819. 



HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 51 

3. Texas annexed, 1845. 

4. Oregon boundary settled, 1846. 

5. Cession by Mexico after war in West and Southwest, 
1848. 

6. Gadsen Purchase, $10,000,000, J 853. 

7. Alaska purchased, $7,200,000, 1867. ~~~ 

8. Hawaii annexed, 1898. 

9. Philippine Islands, Porto Rico, Guam, etc., ceded by 
Spain. We paid $20,000,000. 1898. 

10. Rights in Panama Canal Zone acquired, 1903. 

BATTLES AND GENERALS OF THE REVOLUTION. 

1775. 
Lexington. Parker vs. Smith. Am. 
Ticonderoga. Allen vs. De Laplace. Am. 
Bunker HilL Prescott vs. Howe. Br. 

1776. 
Fort Moultrie. Moultrie vs. Clinton. Am. 
Long Island. Putnam vs. Howe. Br. 
White Plains. McDougall vs. Howe. Br. 
Trenton. Washington vs. Rail. .Am. 

1777. 
Princeton. Washington vs. Mawhood. Am. 
Brandyv^^ine. Washington vs. Howe. Br. 
Saratoga. Gates vs. Burgoyne. Am . 
Germantown. Washington vs. Howe. Br. 

1778. 
Monmouth. Washington vs. Clinton- Am. 
Savannah. R. Howe vs. Campbell. Br. 

1779. 
Stony Point. Wayne vs. Johnson. Am. 

1780. 
Charleston. Lincoln vs. Clinton. Br. 



62 HIGH LIGHTS IN U. S. HISTORY 



1781. 
King's Mountain. Campbell vs. Ferguson. Am. 
Cowpens. Morgan vs. Tarleton. Am. 
Guilford's Court House. Greene vs. Cornwallis. Br. 
Yorktown. Washington vs. Cornwallis. Am. 
N.*B. American generals named first. Am. American vic- 
tory. Br. British victory. 

BATTLES AND GENERALS OF CIVIL WAR. 

1861. 
Bull Run. McDowell vs. Beauregard. C- 

1862. 
Fort Henry. Grant vs. Tilgham. IJ. 
Shiloh. Grant vs. Johnston- U. 
Second Bull Run. Pope vs. Lee- C. 
Antietam. McClellan vs. Lee- U. 
Fredericksburg. Burnside vs. Lee- C. 
New Orleans. Butler and Farragut vs. LovelL U. 

1863. 
Vicksburg. Grant vs. Pemberton. U. 
Chickamauga. Rosecrans vs. Bragg. C. 
Lookout Mountain. Thomas vs. Bragg. U. 
Missionary Ridge. Thomas vs. Bragg. U- 
Chancellorsville. Hooker vs- Lee. C. 
Gettysburg. Meade vs. Lee . U • 

1864. 
Atlanta. Sherman vs. Johnston. U. 
Mobile. Farragut vs. Buchanan. U. 
Nashville. Thomas vs. Hood- U. 
Spottsylvania. Grant vs. Lee. U. 
Winchester. Sheridan vs. Early. U. 

1865. 
Petersburg. Grant vs. Lee. U. 

1865. 
Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomatox April 9, 1865. 
N. B. Union generals named first. U. Union victory. 
C. Confederate victory. 



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